Serbia Beat Slovenia To Second In Group D

Serbia clinched second place in U18 European Championship Women Group D on Saturday with a precious 66-56 win over rivals Slovenia, one which they will carry over into the Second Round.

With reigning champions Belgium already in the Relegation Round after a disastrous first two days, this was a contest to see who would start the next phase of the tournament with a victory to their name.

The smart money was on Serbia who had destroyed the Belgians and was pipped in an absolute classic match-up with Italy on day two.

For the most part, the game went with form although Slovenia did start more brightly.

Then, tied at 22-22, Serbia posted a nice run to establish an eight-point advantage heading to the locker rooms.

When they returned, they rarely looked like relinquishing their grip on the game, even if Slovenia threatened to fight back when the irrepressible Eva Lisec brought her team to within five points at 55-50.

However, led by an assured contribution from playmaker Aleksandra Stanacev who recorded 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists, Serbia stayed focused.

Lisec finished with a double-double of 18 points and 16 rebounds for Slovenia.